Why should you hire CHC-Photography, Inc. for your Senior Pictures?

I've been doing senior portraits in NW Indiana almost 20 years. It's my favorite type of session. I love exploring personalities and bringing ideas to life! If you want something a little different then I am the right photographer for you. I love to create art with my seniors. It's one of a kind just like YOU. Of course you get some of those typical smiling in the camera shots as well. But I love to take it a step further and bring out something else. It's usually not planned other than you brought your prom dress and instrument with you for example. It's very spontaneous and in the moment! It's all about having fun and being relaxed.

Where should we go for my senior portraits?

I am always on the look out for new locations and I have a few favorites. If you have suggestions that is always welcome! Where we go depends on your style, whether you like fields and trees and/or the urban look of old buildings and brick...or maybe you want to go downtown Chicago or Indy. I could even be persuaded to do a shoot in NYC. I love a good mix of everything and encourage you not to limit yourself to one look.

When should I schedule my appointment?

as soon as possible...once the weather warms up, I get crazy busy! Since we never know how the weather might be, it's a good idea to schedule a back up date.

Watch this for some inspiration!

What should I bring to wear?

Plan on 4-5 outfits. I always say, bring more and we'll go through it! Definitely bring your favorite outfits but also something to dress up a little. Avoid big patterns for the most part and logos unless Abercrombie pays for your senior portraits! Think about 10 years from now, how you don't want your clothes to date all the photographs - something timeless that helps show off You...like something that brings out your complexion/eye/hair color...That being said I love if someone has their own sense of style and with a couple of your outfits you should really go for it! Of course I like accessories galore...a long (lace) kimono (I love bohemian style clothing), hats, scarfs, jewelry, cool shoes, jackets...etc. My personal favorite places to shop for photo shoot clothing are Akira, Zara, Free People, Forever21 and H&M.

What else should I bring? Props?

Bring some water to stay hydrated! Flats to walk around in! Bring anything that you want in the pictures! Your sports gear, your instrument, a book you love, your best friend, your pet, anything that means something to you!

Everyone has a story. Don't let anyone put you in a box! Let's explore your tomboy and girly side!!!

Grooming and tanning before a photo shoot? Makeup?

Boys - shave the day of the photo shoot unless you are looking for that unshaven look. Get your hair trimmed a week or so prior to the shoot and if possible not the day before. You want your hair to look natural and a little worn in and not freshly trimmed...

Girls - I know girls are obsessed with tanning and sun bathing these days! I will charge extra to remove those tan lines...yep! If you do the spray on tanning, please do it a couple days before the shoot, so that most of it washes off and you don't look orange in the pictures...trust me natural is better anyway! As for the hair...I know straightening is super in but it damages hair and even the best photo shop editing skills can sometimes not hide that...a hair trim can be very helpful! Just saying! Oh, and the make-up...I'd be happy to help you do your make-up! If it's in the budget I recommend getting your make up done professionally. I can give you recommendations! I know a lot of seniors have friends who are doing the make-up the day of the photo shoot and all I can say is that I am usually impressed! On a site note, I do not recommend false eye lashes unless you wear them every day and have some very natural looking ones. The ones that are super thick often don't let the sky reflect in your eyes and that can be a problem...A daytime smokey eye can be amazing and honestly youtube has some great tutorials...play around in the weeks prior to our shoot and see what you like! And please please take a look at your toes and finger nails the week prior to our photo shoot. I have way too many seniors showing up with chipped nail polish. Hands are very important for senior pictures! Schedule a mani/pedi a couple days before your shoot!

What is the expected cost of my senior portraits?

please read the details under Session Prices. Around Town sessions start at $349 (includes $150 towards prints). Payment is due in full the day of the photo shoot. If a photo shoots is scheduled many weeks ahead of time, I ask for a $100 retainer to hold your date.

my average client will spend between $650 and $1,200 for their senior portraits

I accept cash, check or I can send you a paypal invoice (can be paid with credit card!) Checks need to be made out to CHC-Photography, Inc.

My main goal is to capture the feeling of being young and carefree ... let go of all your fears and just be YOU!

How long will my session take?

I like to start a couple hours before sun down and we'll shoot until we are both passed out...almost...we just go with the flow and have lots of fun (I promise)...expect 1.5 to 2 hours! (or more depending on your session type)

Can I bring my mom and/or a friend?

Sure! Bring whoever makes you feel comfortable. Although mom's often tag along, I appreciate that they are usually staying in the background so as not to embarrass their kids too much...if your friend tags along I might put them to work holding something, like a reflector or so....you've been warned!

These are not models, they are High School Seniors! I love creating art with them, something that will stand the test of time and be beautiful forever!

What happens after the photo shoot?

Within 2-3 weeks after the photo shoot, I will e-mail you the link to your on-line gallery where you can view and order your images. Once I receive payment, I will process your order and within 2-4 weeks I will mail it out or you can pick it up!

What else do I need to know?

You will need to sign a model release on the day of. It will state that I can and will post some of your pictures to my website and/or social media and reserve the right to use your images in advertising materials.